Do Car Accidents Affect Credit Scores?
Getting straight to the point, a car accident does not directly affect your credit score. Car accidents are not reported to the credit bureaus, thus they are not directly affecting your credit score. Your credit score only contains debt related to credit accounts and public records (credit cards, mortgage, auto loans, etc). Should you fail to pay your debts after a car accident, these failed payments can negatively affect your credit score. Indirectly, a car accident can affect your credit score.
What Can Happen to My Credit Score after a Car Accident?
After a South Carolina car accident, insurance companies will begin processing claims and expenses. If you are injured in a car accident, medical bills can start to pile up. Your auto loan and car insurance bills will continue piling up each month as well. If you’re unable to make payments on those bills then your credit score can be negatively impacted, hurting your credit score. Below are a few ways car accidents can indirectly harm your credit score:
- Car Insurance Can Increase – Your car insurance premiums can increase due to the accident. Insurance companies could increase your risk and that will increase your premium. If your car was extensively damaged during the accident, purchasing a new car could also increase your premium.
- Home Insurance Can Increase – Having bad credit can make it more difficult to get a home loan causing increased rates as well.
- Medical Bills – Car accident injuries can result in disabilities and/or lengthy hosptial stays. Depending how long and costly the ensuing treatment is, you may end up owing thousands of dollars in medical bills which could ruin your finances and credit.
- Car Repair Costs – Repairing or replacing a car can get expensive, especially when you were not intending to do so. This can result in costly upfront or monthly payments.
- Loss of Future Employment Opportunities – If a potential employer were to run a credit check that didn’t meet their expectations or hiring criteria, this could cost you an employment opportunity.
Contact an Experienced South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
To help avoid credit issues after a car wreck, we can help you find medical treatment that will not affect your credit while your case is pending, and that can be paid for out of your settlement. This means you wouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for your medical bills until you receive your compensation. We fight hard to make sure that a bad driver’s negligence doesn’t hurt your financial future. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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“The level of attention I received from attorney Taylor Bell was outstanding. He surpassed every expectation. Taylor Bell provides thorough explanations for every question I had. He is quick to respond to phone calls and emails. Attorney Taylor Bell provides comfort and a little humor to help your situation become less dark and stressful. He is highly intelligent with any case and will be with you every step of the way so that you don’t feel out of the loop. He gets the job done and the results he performs is phenomenal. I am extremely satisfied with his performance and highly recommend him to anyone needing help.”
Every case is different. You should not believe your case will get the same result.
